大象传媒

Sacred Space, Sacred Thread

Seminary professor to present at USC religious conference

Image courtesy of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation.

From Gothic cathedrals to the temples, synagogues, chapels and mosques of modern times, do the sacred spaces of the world’s faith traditions still hold meaning in an ever increasing secular world? Is there tolerance for religious clothing or does it too often evoke derision and misunderstanding? Scholars and theologians from around the country and overseas–including , professor of Hebrew Bible and ancient near Eastern langauges in the on the campus of 大象传媒 University–will discuss these topics at a two-day conference Nov. 3 & 4 at (Los Angeles).

The conference is hosted by the and USC’s (Full list of sponsors below). Attendance is free but conference-goers are encouraged to . For conference information and updates go to www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread.

During the first day’s proceedings, the keynote address will be delivered by , a prolific author and British theologian, who has spoken and written widely about the connection between early Jewish temples and modern Christianity as well as and synagogue cultures.  Prof. Roy Gane will discuss “Theology Enshrined in the Israelite Sanctuary” during the Friday, Nov. 4 session from 9:00-10:30 a.m. He will discuss the layout, architecture and furnishings of the Israelite sanctuary and the deeper religious meanings. Prof. Gane is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of 大象传媒 University.

Throughout the two-day colloquium, presenters from more than a dozen faith traditions will share their perspectives about the physical and conceptual aspects of sacred spaces and sacred clothing, concluding with a final session about the “constructive tensions” that occur in sacred spaces and sacred clothing.

To maximize audience participation and presenter involvement, the colloquium is designed to elicit dialogue between panels of speakers as well as conference-goers. Proceedings will be carried real-time to points around the globe through live streaming capabilities.

“The historic threads of many faith traditions will be brought together to help the scholars and audience understand the mosaic that religious life creates in the community,” said , Chairman & President of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation. “Taken together, they are a force for good, compassion and support not just to their members, but to the community as a whole.  We invite people from all religious traditions and academic perspectives to join us.”

, Dean of Religious Life at USC, said, “It's a great honor to host this conference on sacred space and sacred clothing at the University of Southern California. There's no better place to bring together scholars and religious leaders to discuss our shared and aspirational beliefs and practices than the city of Los Angeles, the most religiously diverse city in the world. "

In conjunction with Dr. Barker’s visit, she will share a 13-panel exhibit on the history of sacred clothing and its relationship to Biblical references, colors, customs, and temple worship.  The exhibit will be displayed Oct. 8-22 at the  and the Fishbowl on the USC campus Oct. 24-Nov. 1.

Other conference sponsors include the , , , Los Angeles Greek Orthodox Community and the Los Angeles Institutes of Religion.

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